Honda Accord

Honda Accord

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The Accord’s pleasing blend of engaging driving dynamics and a spacious interior keeps it at the top of the market—and also helped it make our 10Best list for 2015. Available as either a sedan or a coupe, the Accord offers either a 185-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6. A six-speed automatic or CVT are available, but the slick six-speed manual is a joy to drive. The hybrid model boasts a lofty 50-mpg city rating; a plug-in hybrid is also available but only in limited markets. Official Photos and Info – 2016 Honda Accord Sedan and Coupe

It’s coming up on three years since the Honda Accord’s successful redesign for 2013, which means the mid-size favorite—and multiple 10Best Cars winner—is due for some fussing over for the 2016 model year. We previously published exclusive, completely undisguised spy photos of both the sedan and the coupe that showed the obligatory styling tweaks front and rear, but we now know the main focus of this update is increasing the car’s technology quotient.

Apple and Android

To that end, the Accord motors into 2016 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, the first Honda models with the feature. Omitting the LX and Sport, the integration is reserved for the EX and higher trim levels, which are the ones that get Honda’s seven-inch Display Audio system. (The bummer: Having experienced it in the Fit and the HR-V, we’re not too fond of the system due to its complete lack of any physical buttons or knobs—even for volume.) In addition to the Display Audio screen, the Accord gets a second, 7.7-inch screen, which can show images from the rearview or Lane Watch cameras, turn-by-turn directions, trip-computer info, audio info, phone calls, or text messages.

In addition to the dash-based tech, there’s new safety gadgetry, as well. To the previously available adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning, Honda is adding automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and road-departure mitigation. Commendably, and in a departure from Honda’s previous practice, the whole package of features—which the company dubs Honda Sensing—can be had on all models except the top-spec Touring, where it’s standard.

In other features news, the multi-angle rearview camera has spread to all models, satellite radio and Homelink integration become standard on EX and above, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat is now fitted to all but the base LX. Meanwhile, the full-boat Touring gets even fancier with automatic high beams, heated rear seats, rain-sensing wipers, and front and rear parking sensors, as well as the aforementioned Honda Sensing stuff.

A Fresh Face

These changes apply to both the Accord sedan and the coupe. Yes, the coupe continues—it’s the last surviving mainstream mid-size two-door. (The Accord-based Crosstour hatchback, on the other hand, has read the writing on the wall and is not returning for 2016.) Both body styles sport new front ends, with a thick chrome bar dominating the slimmer grille, squintier headlights, and a redesigned lower fascia that incorporates LED fog lights except on the base LX. LEDs are also used for the Touring coupe’s headlights, the redesigned taillights for all models, and for the daytime running lights found on all but the base sedan. The wheel designs also are new, with the Touring coupe and sedan and the Sport sedan now wearing 19-inchers.

In the powertrain department, things are status quo. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four remains the base engine, with 185 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque (189/182 for the Sport), mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT. Honda also is sticking with its V-6, a 3.5-liter unit good for 278 horsepower and 252 lb-ft. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic, although the V-6 coupe additionally offers a six-speed stick.

The Accord hybrid will take a one-year hiatus before returning as a 2017 model with a thoroughly reworked powertrain, while the plug-in hybrid has been completely dropped. As to the regular Accord coupe and sedan, the 2016 versions should reach dealers starting in August.